Problem: Mitral Valve Stenosis

Mitral stenosis is a narrowing of the mitral valve opening. Mitral stenosis restricts blood flow from the left atrium to the left ventricle.

What problems can result from untreated or advanced mitral valve stenosis?

Mitral stenosis causes blood flow through the narrowed valve opening from the left atrium to the left ventricle to be reduced. As a result, the volume of blood bringing oxygen from the lungs is reduced, which can make you feel tired and short
of breath. The volume and pressure from blood remaining in the left atrium increases which then causes the left atrium to enlarge and fluid to build up in the lungs.

Rheumatic fever is very rare in this country due to the use of effective antibiotics to prevent infections.

Two conditions not related to valve stenosis that can mimic MVS by producing the same symptoms are:

Myxoma (a cancerous tumor in the left atrium)

Nearby blood clot that reduces blood flow through the mitral valve

Is mitral valve stenosis treatable?

Medications can’t fix a valve defect, but your doctor might prescribe diuretics to reduce fluid accumulation in the lungs, blood thinners to prevent clots from forming, or anti-arrhythmic drugs if those are indicated. The mitral valve can usually
be repaired or replaced using surgery, or a minimally invasive procedure

Understanding your heart valve problem: Which solution may be right for you?

Walk through a step-by-step interactive guide explaining your valve issue and treatment options with helpful videos, text summaries and links
along the way.

This content was last reviewed May 2016.

Heart Valve Stenosis

If you've been told you have valve stenosis, learn what it means and why it matters to your heart health.